Roethlisberger and his talented Steelers offence go all-in to chase down Patriots
>> PITTSBURGH: Ben Roethlisberger insists his lengthy flirtation with retirement last spring was very real.
And while the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback ultimately opted to return for a 14th season, Roethlisberger’s two months of radio silence while he pondered his future sent a very clear message.
The window for the Steelers to reach a fourth Super Bowl during the Roethlisberger era is open. But not for much longer.
“I commit myself 110 percent and I will do that throughout the season,’’ Roethlisberger said last month. “But I’m not going to look past, let alone the season, but look past today.’’
There’s no need. The team that will sprint onto the field with Roethlisberger in Cleveland for the opener today (midnight Thai time) is arguably the most talented of Roethlisberger’s career.
The offence is littered with playmakers at every skill position, and the line is perhaps the best in the league. There are questions on defence, but the bold move to sign two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden offered tangible proof to New England and the rest of the NFL that the Steelers are aggressively trying to close the seemingly impregnable gap between themselves and the Patriots.
The stakes are simple. There will be a trip to Minneapolis in February for a shot at a Super Bowl ring or there will be misery. There is no middle ground.
Pittsburgh’s combination of talent and experience really leaves little choice. The Steelers have methodically risen back to relevance after coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert rebuilt the franchise on the fly in 2012 and 2013. Pittsburgh reached the wild-card round in 2014, the divisional round in 2015. Last season ended with a onesided loss to New England in the AFC championship game, but star running back Le’Veon Bell was hurt.
“Every year we get a step closer,” wide receiver Antonio Brown said.
One last one remains. If Roethlisberger remains healthy, Pittsburgh have the firepower to take it.
Wide receiver Martavis Bryant is back after missing all of 2016 due to a drug suspension. Bell ended his protest over being unable to reach a longterm deal in the offseason by returning to the team on Labour Day weekend. Bell will play under the franchise tag this season eager to prove he’s worth even more than the US$12.1 million he is guaranteed this fall.
First-round pick TJ Watt has looked every bit as good as advertised as the long-awaited heir apparent at outside linebacker to the seemingly ageless James Harrison. Haden and Artie Burns could give Pittsburgh their best cornerback tandem since they won their last Super Bowl eight years ago.
The pieces are in place. Time to see how they all fit.